Five million elderly talk to nobody in weeks, study reveals

MORE than five million pensioners are affected by loneliness and can spend weeks without talking to another person, a worrying new report reveals.

By 2030 it is predicted that 7 million elderly people will live alone [GETTY]

This number is set to increase as more people live longer and increased use of the internet means less social interaction.

A decline in marriage will also see more elderly people living on their own.

The current 5,250,000 lonely older people is equivalent to eight per cent of the population and 35 per cent of those over 60.

But Friends Of The Elderly say this figure will rise to around seven million by 2030.

The charity’s study also found that more than 80 per cent of Britons have “irregular” or no contact with older people.

By encouraging everyone to connect with older neighbours, we can empower young and old to connect better within their communities

Steve Allen, Friends Of The Elderly

The South-west is the worst, with someone over 60 feeling lonely in a quarter of homes.

In London, the most highly-ranked, it is one in 11.

The charity released the report to coincide with the launch of its campaign Be A Friend – backed by Prime Minister David Cameron – which aims to recruit 30,000 “friends” in the next year. Mr Cameron said: “Research shows that small acts of friendship, such as calling in on an elderly neighbour, can have a huge impact.

“The campaign will bring generations together to spark new and enduring friendships the length and breadth of the ­country. I wish it every success.”

Steve Allen, of Friends Of The Elderly, said: “By encouraging everyone to connect with older neighbours, we can empower young and old to connect better within their communities.”